Choose from a wide range of CV templates and customize the design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised CV and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our Resume builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your Resume faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create Resume
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CVIf you’re creating a security officer resume, the most important thing hiring managers look for is proof you’re trained, licensed, and ready to handle real-world situations. That means clearly listing your security certifications and training in a way that shows compliance, capability, and credibility. This page explains exactly which certifications to include, how to present them, and how to tailor your resume to stand out in the U.S. job market.
You’re not just looking for a list of certifications. You want to:
Know which security certifications matter most in the U.S.
Understand how to list them on your resume correctly
Avoid missing required credentials that block hiring
Show you’re qualified for armed or unarmed roles
Improve your resume to pass screening and get interviews
Everything below is focused on that exact goal.
This is the baseline requirement for almost all security jobs in the U.S.
Include it if you have it. If you don’t, you may not qualify for most roles.
What to include:
State name (e.g., California, Texas, New York)
License type (Guard Card, Security Officer License)
License number (optional but helpful)
Expiration date
Example:
Employers want officers who can respond to emergencies.
Place it right after your summary or skills.
Example:
Certifications
New York State Security Guard License – Active
CPR/AED Certification – American Red Cross
First Aid Certified
Armed Guard License – NYPD Approved
Useful if you have extensive coursework or academy training.
Example:
Training & Certifications
This certification signals readiness and responsibility.
What to include:
Issuing organization (American Red Cross or equivalent)
Expiration date
Example:
Often paired with CPR, this strengthens your profile for:
Hospitals
Schools
Corporate security roles
Example:
Critical if you’re applying for armed security positions.
Only include this if you are licensed and trained.
What to include:
Firearm permit or armed license
State-issued certification
Qualification or training completion
Example:
This includes:
Emergency response training
Anti-terrorism awareness
Incident command systems
These are especially valuable for:
Government contracts
Critical infrastructure roles
Airport or federal security
Example:
Security Officer Training Program – ABC Security Academy
CPR/AED Certified
Crowd Control & Conflict De-escalation Training
Hiring managers scan resumes quickly. Your certifications must be:
Easy to read
Clearly labeled
Up to date
Relevant to the role
Certification Name
Issuer (if relevant)
Status or expiration
Avoid clutter. Keep it clean and direct.
This is a major red flag.
If it’s expired:
Renew it
Or remove it
Weak Example:
This tells nothing.
Good Example:
If a job requires a state license and you don’t list it:
Always match the job posting.
Stick to what matters:
Security-related
Emergency response
Compliance-based
Avoid unrelated certifications (e.g., IT, marketing, etc.)
Focus on:
State license
CPR/AED
First Aid
Customer service training
You must include:
Armed guard certification
Firearms training
Range qualification
Optional but strong:
Tactical training
Defensive techniques
Emphasize:
De-escalation training
Surveillance systems training
Emergency response certifications
Highlight:
Homeland Security training
Incident command systems
Advanced certifications
Clear, structured certification section
Active licenses with expiration dates
Relevant, job-specific credentials
Recognized organizations
Generic training descriptions
Missing dates or status
Overcrowded certification lists
Irrelevant credentials
There’s no fixed number. The rule is:
Include only what strengthens your application.
Typical range:
Entry-level: 2–4 certifications
Experienced: 4–8 certifications
Quality always beats quantity.
Include it like this:
Mention transferability:
Lean on training:
Security Officer Training Program
CPR/AED
First Aid
This shows readiness even without experience.
Certifications
Illinois Security Guard License – Active, Expires 2027
CPR/AED Certified – American Red Cross (2026)
First Aid Certification – Active
Armed Security License – Illinois State Police
Homeland Security Training – Emergency Response
This format is:
Clean
Relevant
Easy to scan
Strong for ATS systems
Ask yourself:
Are all certifications active and valid?
Did I include required state licensing?
Are certifications clearly formatted?
Do they match the job description?
Did I remove anything irrelevant?
If yes, your certification section is solid.
Upload Resume
Import from Linkedin
